The competitive edge of Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant

Times photographer Wally Skalij has covered Lakers games for 15 years, traveling with the team through playoff runs and championships. He has been fortunate to witness one of the greatest players of all time in Kobe Bryant. Skalij covered the 2001 and 2002 NBA Finals, when the Lakers beat the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Nets, respectively. He went on to cover the battles with the Boston Celtics in 2008 and 2010 and with the Orlando Magic in 2009. Of course, Bryant was a big part of those seasons and a major reason for the team’s success. Doctors are suggesting that Bryant’s surgery to repair his ruptured Achilles’ tendon went well and that he should be able to return to play at some point next year. Until then, it is possible to look back on a player who’s had a huge impact on his team.